Onychomycosis, more commonly known simply as nail fungus, is a chronic condition that can lead to a great deal of embarrassment, pain and frustration for sufferers. If you struggle with nail fungus, you already know how hard it can be to eliminate. You are likely tired of dealing with thickened, discolored or crumbling nails, but you might not know where to turn if traditional treatments like over-the-counter topical creams have failed. If you want to get rid of nail fungus once and for all, your best option is laser nail fungus removal. But now you have to ask yourself “Does laser nail fungus removal work“?
Why is Laser Nail Fungus Removal a Good Option?
Fungal infections of the nails are often treated using prescription or over-the-counter creams or prescription systemic medications. Creams, whether prescribed or purchased over-the-counter, simply are not capable of penetrating the nail quickly to reach the site of the infection. They are very slow. Systemic medications are slightly faster, but they still take a long time to work. Systemic medications are also linked to numerous potentially dangerous side effects like liver damage. When treated with creams or medications, fungal infections are likely to return. With laser nail fungus removal, though, it is often possible to kill the infection completely with just one treatment. The procedure also has no known side effects, making it a very safe option for anyone.
How Does Laser Nail Fungus Removal Work?
During your appointment, a doctor or technician will use a handheld laser device that emits a pinpointed beam of intense light. This light penetrates the surface of the nail and targets the infection located under the nail. The laser kills the fungus residing below the surface of the nail, and because the beam is so precise, it does not cause any damage to the surrounding tissue. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes, and it is virtually painless.
How Well Does Laser Nail Fungus Removal Work?
Compared to other treatment methods like topical creams and systemic medications, a laser fungus removal is considerably more effective. Unlike other treatments that can take several months to work and often do not completely eliminate the infection, lasers can destroy fungus in just one treatment. While it will still take some time for a healthy nail to grow in the replace the damaged one, the infection itself is often destroyed immediately, and the chance of recurrence is greatly diminished, making laser nail fungus removal have a much greater success rate than other treatment methods.